MALDON Sea Cadets could finally get a new £60,000 headquarters, following a 13-year campaign.

If planning permission is granted for the project, they will invite the Duke of York, in his capacity as Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, to perform the opening ceremony.

The Maldon and District Sea Cadets have been campaigning for a permanent base to carry out their courses and house equipment.

Previous plans have failed because of funding problems or planning permission being refused.

Now, Maldon Town Council has backed an application to construct seven buildings, install a storage container and set up a flag pole at a site near Promenade Park.

Tracey Temme, the cadets’ First Lieutenant, said: “We have done a lot of fundraising and applied for grants.

“At the moment, the paperwork involved in running the cadets is at my house.

“The Royal Navy give us our uniforms on loan, and the equipment is stored in various locations, but if we have our own building, everything will be there.

“The town council has backed us 100 per cent.

“The sooner we get planning permission, the better. This is something for the young people.

“Since we moved to Maldon, we have more than doubled in number.

“People come from Clacton, Bradwell and Colchester because we are an active unit.”

The group has about 40 members, aged from ten to 18, but it is looking to increase this to about 60 if planning permission is granted.

The cadets already take part in a wide range of courses, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and BTEC diplomas in public service, music and engineering.

The proposed centre, which would have 15 rooms, would be purpose-built for the cadets’ needs. It would include classrooms, a parade area, a kitchen and canteen, equipment storage area and offices.

A decision on the application will be made by Maldon District Council later this year.